***Kidspree – July 16 & 17, Aurora. Colorado’s largest outdoor festival just for kids. Entertainers plus more than 50 hands-on activities at the 16th annual Kidspree held at Bicentennial Park. Admission and activities are FREE.

***Open Arts Fest– July 16 & 17, Boulder. Visual art showcase for local artists and those from around the country, and demonstrations. Held on the Pearl Street Mall.

***Cattlemen Days– Through July 17, Gunnison. Ten days of events wrap-up with a parade, rodeo, cowboy church and Family Night Rodeo.

***Longmont Jazz Festival– July 16 & 17, Longmont.The best jazz bands of Northern Colorado, including the Queen City Jazz Band, entertain for a free weekend of music at Roosevelt Park. Refreshment by Smoke Shack BBQ.

MONDAY AT THE MANSION

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SERIES

Delve into Colorado’s history and culture at the Monday at the Mansion series presented by the Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund. When the fund was launched in July 2008 First Lady Jeannie Ritter said, “This is the 100th anniversary of the Residence and we want to protect it for the next 100 years so future generations of Coloradans also can enjoy it. This fund will build on the tremendous work of my predecessor, Frances Owens, when it comes to opening up the Residence to the public.”

Monday at the Mansion 2010 Schedule

April 12 – Art and Jazz – Colorado Style! –Champagne reception, the Jazz Connection and paintings from the First Lady’s Plein Air Art Show and Auction.

May 10 – Rekha Ohal – Rekha’s popular whimsical music played on the 1914 Steinway piano in the Mansion’s Drawing Room and reception in the Palm Room.

October 11 – In the Buff – The University of Colorado’s all male a cappella choir shares harmony and their unique style; plus, the Autumn Garden Reception.

November 8 – Program to be announced.

December 13 – Rocky Mountain Ringers – Ring in the season at the Mansion beautifully decorated for the season, reception with holiday treats and music by the Rocky Mountain Ringers.

Admission is $20 prior to the event and $25 at the door. Registration is required; cindy@grpfund.org or by phone at 303-837-8350, option 4.